St Mary’s University, London was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Honorary Fellow Andy Sutch.
Andy was an advocate of sport at the University and played a key role in developments in this area on campus in the 90s and 00s. He was an advisor in the successful bid for national lottery funding that enabled the building of the University Track and refurbishment of sports facilities. Andy was also instrumental in building partnerships between the English Institute of Sport and St Mary’s.
These facilities have been a key part of the University’s development of elite sport, launching the careers of Olympians and world class including Sir Mo Farah, Beth Potter, Andrew Osagie, Charlotte Purdue, Adelle Tracey, Steph Twell, amongst many others.
His contributions to the University were recognised in 2005 as then Chair of Governors Bishop George Stack awarded him an Honorary Fellowship.
Aside to his support for St Mary’s, Andy was an advocate for ensuring everyone could access sport. He was the Director at the Sports Council (London) 1989-2003, was part of the bid team for London 2012, Chair of GLA London Mayor Sport Team between 2009-2014, and Chair of the Panathlon Foundation 2013-2023.
Speaking of his contributions to St Mary’s, former Vice-Principle Prof Dick Fisher said, “Andy was in many ways a part of us. He was our go to person for advice on developing projects, engaging with community sport and understanding how national sports policy was unfolding. In turn he really enjoyed what he called the 'university vibe' at St Mary's and was delighted to be made an Honorary Fellow. The vibrant entity that now is Sport St Mary’s owes much to him; from student engagement in all respects, flourishing community initiatives and performance at the highest levels.
“He was always full of ideas and unfailingly generous to us with his time and enthusiasm. St Marys owes him a lot, and he enjoyed his engagement with us and the friendships he developed here.”
Andrew Reid-Smith, Head of Sport at St Mary’s University, added: “Andy believed deeply in sport as a force for good – creating opportunity, building confidence and strengthening communities. That ethos continues at Sport St Mary’s today. Working with Andy, as former Chair and then Director of the Panathlon Foundation, we were proud to host the regional final for young people with disabilities and special educational needs. Supported by our student volunteers, it was a wonderful day for the children, and for our students and staff alike – exactly the kind of inclusive, community-connected sport that Andy championed.”